York Knights vs Hull KR Prediction: Robins too strong for Knights

Having fallen short at the semi-final stage last season, Hull KR are hoping to go one better in the Betfred Challenge Cup this year to reach Wembley but first they must get past the York Knights in the third round on Friday night (19:30, The Sportsman Rugby League).

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his York Knights vs Hull KR prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for this showdown at LNER Community Stadium.

Rugby League Odds

Team News

Starting with the hosts, York Knights head coach Mark Applegarth will have to do without the trio of Brad Ward, Kieran Hudson and Jacques O’Neill who are all ruled out with hamstring injuries.

Joe Law picked up a knock in the last round against the Keighley Cougars, but in better news Will Dagger has come through concussion protocols and is in line to feature against the Robins.

As for Hull KR, a number of fresh faces are in line to make their competitive debuts for the club on Friday night.

Tom Davies, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Michael McIlorum, Rhyse Martin and Bill Leyland have all been named in the initial 21-man squad by head coach Willie Peters and should feature.

You can watch York Knights v Hull KR through The Sportman's Rugby League YouTube channel.

York Knights vs Hull KR Odds

As expected, York Knights are the underdogs at 22/1 to cause a major upset against a Betfred Super League side, while Hull KR are 1/250 shots for the win.

A draw on the night at LNER Community Stadium is currently available at 28/1.

Hull KR -38.5 handicap @ 20/21

It should be a great occasion in the Huntington area of York, with the Knights set to break their attendance record that currently stands at 4,281 from their 2018 game against the Bradford Bulls.

With a bumper crowd cheering them on, York will try to stifle this formidable Hull KR attack in the opening stages and make the most of any rustiness from the visitors in the Robins’ first competitive game of the year.

However, Rovers should have more than enough quality to overcome the Betfred Championship outfit over the course of the 80 minutes.

Peters has named a strong squad for this hour-long trip to York, with the coach eager to get some minutes for key players ahead of their Betfred Super League opener against the Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on 14th February.

Hull KR showed last season how they can perform in this cup competition on their way to the semi-finals and they look capable of not only securing their place in the fourth round on Friday but also overcoming the substantial -38.5 handicap on offer in the process.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.